Anyone keeping an eye on the Pittsburgh Steelers knows they’re amassing quite the roster of 2019 draftee linemen, and Nate Herbig is a significant piece of that puzzle. Unfortunately, Herbig’s season came to an abrupt halt due to a pectoral injury, pressing the team into a bit of a depth crisis. When James Daniels also found himself sidelined, the Steelers pulled in Max Scharping, a second-round pick from that same draft year.
Interestingly enough, while Herbig went undrafted in 2019, his career trajectory has matched Scharping’s in many ways. In fact, Herbig has logged slightly more field time with 2,239 career snaps, even if his starts don’t quite stack up. Scharping initially took on a starter role, but Herbig has mainly found himself as a backup during his time in Pittsburgh.
Though Herbig seemed destined for a backup spot, there was a moment when the Steelers considered giving him a larger role. They brought him on board in 2023, aware of a potential opening at left guard. While Kevin Dotson held that position, Isaac Seumalo was brought in later, eventually assuming the starter duties.
Ahead of the 2024 season, with the Steelers parting ways with Mason Cole at center, Herbig took his shot with the first-team offense during much of the offseason. Despite second-round rookie Zach Frazier being poised to replace him, an injury sidelined Frazier and left the position open.
With Herbig’s two-year, $8 million contract now wrapped up, he’s entered the free agency pool. His recent lack of on-field achievements and the cloud of his injury don’t exactly make him a standout in the market. This scenario puts the Steelers in a favorable position to potentially re-sign him for depth. At just 26, Herbig offers versatility, capable of stepping in at guard, center, and even tackle when necessary. With looming free agency departures for James Daniels and Dan Moore Jr., having a reliable, familiar face like Herbig could prove invaluable.
Even if Herbig is re-signed, the Steelers will still need to fortify their offensive line depth. Aside from their five starting players and Spencer Anderson, plus the hypothetical return of Herbig, there’s concern about depth—particularly at tackle, where Dylan Cook remains the sole option. The more this situation unfolds, the clearer it becomes that a swing-tackle role is crucial moving forward.
As the Steelers grapple with another premature playoff exit, they’re back at the drawing board. This familiar scenario has them scrutinizing their own ranks during exit interviews. Decisions loom: who stays, who goes, and what steps follow? Some players might eye larger roles next season, while others ponder the prospects of a renewed contract. Through this series, we’ll delve into these pressing questions and more, assessing the team’s future one article at a time.
